Middletown man facing trespassing charges after allegedly stumbling around in Wesleyan off-campus house

Kaitlyn Schroyer

Published 12:00 am, Tuesday, June 4, 2013

MIDDLETOWN >> A city man was arrested after allegedly breaking into a vacant Wesleyan campus house last Friday.

Ronald Tasker, 47, of Bow Lane, was charged with multiple counts of criminal trespass and interfering with an officer after he was found at a house on Fountain Avenue, police said. Tasker has a history of convictions, including larceny and some drug charges, police said.

Tasker was originally found invading a neighbor's home on Cross Street, according to police. After trying to ask the neighbor if he could party with him, Tasker took off toward Fountain Avenue. The neighbors then saw lights going on and off on Fountain Avenue and then saw Tasker carrying a blue bag, according to police.

While the officer was interviewing the neighbor, the officer spotted Tasker walking around Fountain Avenue and followed him. After a struggle with Tasker, police were able to place him under arrest.

Upon further investigation of Fountain Avenue by police, police found that the house was vacant due to Wesleyan students having graduated. The door had been forced open, according to police, and inside was the usual furniture issued by Wesleyan and also a blue bag containing personal belongings and clothing.

Tasker later informed police that he thought his friend lived at the house, but said he left when he realized no one was there. He also told police that he walked through the house and turned on lights as he went from room to room. According to police, he did not remember how he got into the house and also admitted to drinking in the previous hours before the incident.

Tasker was charged with second-degree criminal trespass, third-degree criminal trespass and interfering with an officer. He was released on a $500 non-surety bond. Tasker is set to appear in court on June 14.